possesses absolute transcendence in every direction. Rather, the “shade” refers to a shelter that Allah will create on that Day, under which He will place those whom He chooses to honor. He ascribed it to Himself because, on that Day, no created thing will be able to cast shade: there will be no buildings, no canopies, nothing placed over people’s heads. The only shade available will be what Allah creates for His servants, and for that reason He linked it to Himself, to show that it is uniquely His.

Another event of that Day will be the unrolling of the records—that is, the scrolls of deeds that were written against each person during his lifetime. Allah, exalted is He, has appointed two angels for every human being, one on the right and the other on the left, as He said: “We are closer to him than his jugular vein, when the two receivers receive, seated on the right and on the left. He utters not a word but that with him is an observer, ready [to record]” (Qaf 50:16–18). These two noble angels write down everything a person does—whether word or deed. What he merely contemplates within himself, however, is not recorded against him, for the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Allah has forgiven my community for whatever thoughts they entertain within themselves so long as they do not act upon them or speak of them.” Speech and action, therefore, are written: the angel on the right records the good deeds, and the angel on the left records the evil deeds. They write down everything they are commanded to record. Then, on the Day of Resurrection, every person will have this book fastened to his neck, as Allah, exalted is He, says: “And every…"